The Best Classic Chili – This traditional chili recipe is just like mom used to make with ground beef, beans, and a simple homemade blend of chili seasonings.
This classic chili is perfect for a weeknight meal because it can be made in minutes. The only thing to chop is an onion.
How do you make good homemade chili?
- Heat olive in a large soup pot.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Add chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.
- Stir until well combined.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and tomato sauce.
- Stir well.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
What do you top chili with?
In addition to the chili ingredients listed in this recipe for chili, you may also want to have these things as toppings.
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- sliced green onions
- saltine crackers or oyster crackers
- diced avocado
What goes well with chili for dinner?
I’ve been playing around with this chili recipe for the past few months, making it many times. My family didn’t mind the repetition at all because I really do believe that I ended up with the best chili ever!
Watch the step by step recipe video for this chili recipe below.
The Best Classic Chili Recipe
The Best Classic Chili - This traditional chili recipe is just like mom used to make with ground beef, beans, and a simple homemade blend of chili seasonings.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 334kcal
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Rate this Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion -diced
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper* -optional
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large soup pot and place it over medium-high heat for two minutes. Add the onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir until well combined.
- Add the broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained beans, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
- Bring the liquid to a low boil. Then, reduce the heat (low to medium-low) to gently simmer the chili, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
I typically skip the cayenne pepper because I have a young kiddo. Then, I put out some hot sauce for those adults that want to add some spiciness to their chili.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/6th of the recipe | Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1249mg | Potassium: 1110mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1445IU | Vitamin C: 12.8mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 7.5mg
Pin This RecipeCheck out all of my great ground beef recipes.
Bonnie says
Delicious, added a little less cumin and an extra can of beans , also 15 oz.can of crushed tomatoes instead of 8 oz of tomato sauce. Served with sour cream and shredded cheddar . My husband loved it !
Tyra says
Just made this tonight and used 1/2 tsp. chipotle chili seasoning instead of the cayenne (I was out) and it turned out superb!! It’s a keeper for sure!!
Rebekah Ryan says
Best Chili ever! We love the flavor.
Dukesmom says
Waaaaay to much cumin for my taste and I even cut the amount in half. I’m wondering if it’s supposed to be teaspoons instead of tablespoons. Next time I will make this with a lot less cumin and I think it will be really good that way.
Jami Lynn says
This recipe isn’t for me. The chili is too sweet, as opposed to savory. Too heavy on the chili powder as well, just for my taste.
Susie says
I have made this recipe….. many times… sometimes I have added a can of black beans as well, drained of course, and a can of rotel tomatoes with green pepper…… just a yummy start to a wonderful afternoon!!!
Rhonda says
This was just amazing !!!! I skipped the Cayenne but added red pepper flakes I also shared with all my friends and family thank you for this it’s so easy and good made some baked grilled cheese to go along with it
Dee says
This Chili recipe is delicious!! 😋 I added some canned green chilies because we love them, but your recipe is really the best!! Thank you for posting it!
Rachel says
Made this chili tonight and it was soooo good! I substitutes honey for the sugar and added diced mushrooms and celery.
Anastasia Thompson says
This Chili Rocks!
Best Recipe I ever made!
Kaz says
I make chili sometimes for my wife. This receipt is the simplest I’ve ever made and the best.
Thanks from Japan!
Anita says
Absolutely delicious!! I have tried lots of difference recipes for chili this is the best one! I added some red wine too ! Will definitely be making again!
Summer Wheatley says
Awesome chili! We used vegan beef and it was still the best!! The name does NOT lie. Thanks for the great recipe.